Adjustable clamp



1948. R. H. GODWIN 2,446,470

ADJ US TABLE CLAMP Filed March 15, 1946 Patented Aug. 3, 194-8 UNI-T ED STAT ES AnmsrABLEcnAr/re I RogierH, Godwin, Dallas,- Tex. v Aptuafioaman,15, 194e,. Senial-Nm 654,763.- mam/(c1. res-403*) This invention relates to clamping and restraining devices and more particularly to adjustable clamps adaptable for use in securing the limbs or torso in a stable and predetermined position.

During the performance of certain types of surgery it is necessary to administer a general anesthetic while the patient is in a recumbent position. Operations of this kind are generally performed with the patient in a reclining chair such as is used in the practice of dental surgery. As a result of the administration of a general anesthetic, total nervous and muscular relaxation is eifected and the patient tends to slump into a position such as to make an operation difiicult to perform.

It is the purpose of this invention to restrain the patient in a normally reclining position throughout the operation without requiring the services of an attendant.

In their performance of duty it is sometimes necessary for law enforcement ofiicers to transport prisoners in vehicular conveyances from a point of arrest to a place of confinement. This invention is adaptable for use as a means of preventing the escape of such prisoners while in transit.

Other uses include its adaptability as a safety appliance or restraining means for occupants of airborne vehicles.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a restraining device useful in holding a patient in a desired position while under the influence of a general anesthetic.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable clamping device adaptable for use upon patients of different sizes.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a mechanical means of restraining prisoners or others inclined toward violence because of mental disorders.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has reference to certain features of accomplishment and adaptability for various uses, which will become apparent as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view shown in section, at points corresponding to line I-I in Figure 2.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan View of one of the locking devices, cut away to show the means of obtaining various adjustments, and

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the clamping arms, constructed according to the invention,

mounted on a lateral member at the front of a seat.

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawings, reference numeral Ill denotes a frame member such as may extend across the front of a seat or at the edge of a fixture used in the performance of surgical operations. A plate iI is attached to the frame or seat portion ID by means of screws I2. A portion of its periphery is milled as shown in Figure 2 to permit the engagement therewith of a tapered part of a gravity-actuated locking arm I3, thereby obstructing reverse movement of a sleeve I4 and an arcuated arm i5. A screw I6 extending through the locking arm I3 into the sleeve I4 provides a pivot for the arm I3 to permit its manual disengagement with the milled edge of the stationary plate II. A screw Iii retains the sleeve I4 in its position encircling a cylindrical, internal threaded protuberance or boss of the plate II.

In operation as a part of the equipment necessary in the practice of dental surgery, the clamps are securely attached to the front edge of a dental surgeons chair. When not in use the arcuated arms I5 are vertically dependent from the screw I6. After the patient is seated, the arcuated arms I5 are revolved outwardly and over the patients legs immediately above the knees, forcing the knees together and into firm contact with the chair seat. The tapered points of the locking arms I3 engage the dogs in the periphery of the plate H thereby preventing release of the clamp until desired. Should a general anesthetic be administered, with its resultant relaxing eifect upon a patient, the patients body is held firmly in its predetermined position until the patient regains complete nervous and muscular control. The clamp is removed by exerting upward movement to the locking arm I3, a slight inward pressure upon the arcuated arm I5 being necessary to release the tapered point of the arm I3 from its engaging dog in the plate I I. The arcuated arms I 5 are then revolved outwardly and down to their vertically dependent normal positions.

A similar arrangement and application may be used in handling prisoners, rabid or hysterical persons, and the violently insane.

For use as a safety appliance in aerial passenger transportation, the arcuated arms I5 are designed to conform to the contour of that part of the anatomy it is meant to sustain. The mechanics of operation are similar to that hereinbefore described.

Manifestly, the construction as shown and described is capable of some modification and such modification as may be construed to fall within the scope and meaning of the appended claim is also considered to be within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

In an arm and leg clamp, the combination comprising a mounting bar, a substantially circular plate aflixed to :each end of said mounting bar having spaced teeth in a segment of its periphery and further provided with a centrally disposed, internally threaded boss, an arcuated clamping arm, a clamping arm supporting member oscillatably mounted on said boss and into one end of which an end of said clamping .arm is threaded, a detent pivotallyconnected to said supporting member, a gravity controlled locking arm integral with said detent to hold the latter REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 325,551 Lukens Sept. 1, 1885 812,240 Schoettl Feb. 13, 1906 1,635,638 Rogers July 12, 1927 Re. 10,761 Young Aug. 24., 1886 

